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Following is a translation of the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the Style Hong Kong Show in Shanghai this afternoon (May 14):
Benjamin, LuLu, Hidy, Henry, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Hello, everybody!
I am pleased to meet you all here in Shanghai. I am grateful that Hong Kong has been invited by the Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival and the Organising Committee of Shanghai Fashion Week to participate in the spectacular event of the Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival, showcasing the unique style and creativity of Hong Kong fashion.
The Hong Kong SAR Government is fully committed to the development of creative industries. Creative industries are a strong driving force in the overall development of Hong Kong¡¦s economy, with the value added to the Gross Domestic Product reaching over $60 billion each year, accounting for some 5% of Hong Kong¡¦s GDP. At present, there are nearly 32,000 enterprises engaged in the creative industries with more than 176,000 employees. In March this year, the Institut Europˆmen d¡¦Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) rated Hong Kong as the most creative economy in Asia.
Fashion design is an important element of Hong Kong¡¦s creative industries. Situated at the crossroads where East meets West, Hong Kong is able to array the latest fashion information from around the world. Brimming with creativity, Hong Kong¡¦s design talents exhibit variegated styles and flexibility. Today, three of Hong Kong¡¦s designers express Hong Kong¡¦s style and sentiments through their magnificent work.
Aside from today¡¦s fashion show, the Hong Kong SAR Government will, during the six-month Expo period and in conjunction with different Hong Kong creative industry enterprises, hold a series of exhibitions, seminars and performances to highlight Hong Kong¡¦s creative industries and creative talent. We earnestly look forward to your participation in these activities, including tomorrow¡¦s opening ceremony of an exhibition titled ¡§Hong Kong: Creative Ecologies ¡V Business, Living, Creativity¡¨ organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre. It will showcase the latest overall development of creative industry in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Lastly, I wish the Style Hong Kong Show every success. In a moment we shall all be treated to a spectacular fashion show and experience the unique aura of Hong Kong fashion.
Thank you all.
Ends/Friday, May 14, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:54
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